A gentleman in his 90's from Radstock has been hospitalised after contracting legionnaires disease.  The man was treated at Bath’s Royal United Hospital where he stayed for one and a half weeks.  The article in the Somerset Guardian 23.09.15  stated "the man is receiving treatment and is recovering well".

The article notes that the block of over 60's flats where the gentleman lives could be where he became infected.  Other residents of the building were concerned that it may be caused by the water system in the flats. Radstock Town Council’s Cllr Elizabeth Derl-Davis notes:

“A lot of people in Pines Court and Chichester Place are elderly or vulnerable and many of us have existing health concerns.”

A spokesperson from public health England South West have stated “At this stage, it is not possible to pinpoint exactly what led to the illness, but PHE and environmental health colleagues from the council are undertaking further investigations..."

Though in this case there is no reported evidence of 'wrongdoing', it does highlight the needs of landlords and management agents to take care of their water systems.

Managing residential property can be difficult with access issues, tenants that can control their own heating systems and shower heads that aren't de-scaled and disinfected.  Having said that there are often communal services throughout the building.  These services supplied from assets such as cold water storage tanks and hot water storage vessels should be monitored and inspected frequently with a legionella assessment completed for the entire building and an action plan (often referred to as a written scheme) put in place.

The Health & Safety Executive has put together a set of frequently asked questions to help landlords & letting agents identify what is required. Please feel free to follow the link below: